Design Leadership Summit Recap

Ronda Carman, Malcolm James Kutner, Joel Barkley, Philip Gorrivan, Rob Passal, Oliver Furth, Jay Jeffers, Tobi Fairley, Tammy Connor

I mentioned in my post last Sunday that I would give a recap of the Design Leadership Summit. Once again, SFERRA was a sponsor of this annual, dynamic gathering. I have asked some of the attendees to share their thoughts and favorite ‘takeaways’ from Copenhagen with all of you. Many thanks to each contributor for sharing your reflections. I am eternally grateful to have so many talented friends and acquaintances in this fantastic industry. I am inspired and encouraged by each of you.

Meg Touborg
Managing Partner Design Investors LLC
Design Leadership Summit Host

“As we opened the conference, I wanted to urge the delegates to consider our choice of Copenhagen as the city best representing the vitality of our theme ‘Living Design.’ It literally illustrates the juxtaposition of old and new, melding a rich heritage with modern thinking.

I likened our Summit community to a kaleidoscope. As hosts, Peter [Sallick], Keith [Granet] and I have developed the container—the venues and the agenda—so that each delegate (whether designer, architect, media or business expert) can be the unusual bits of color and individuality to mix with the elements of our program, combining into fresh patterns.

I encouraged the group to shake up their thinking, shake up their associations. With 230 supreme talents in our community kalediscope, we can form infinite variations and intriguing patterns to educate, inform, inspire and delight each other.”

Jeremiah Goodman, Meg Touborg, Sonu Mathew, Peter Sallick,
Newell Turner, Keith Granet

Richard Mishaan
“It was great to hear the magazine editors speak on both a personal and professional level. I loved learning more about Michael Boodro’s experience and experiences, and how he became the Editor-in-chief of ELLE Decor. He is genuine and his offhanded comment about ‘something reminded him of studio 54 and how he would never get in’ made him real.

I loved seeing the photo of Dara Caprinigo in her parent’s modernist kitchen and hearing her advice that we must defend quality and the best of design or it will disappear. It was obvious that this thought and subject is close to her heart.

Jay Fielden is so smart and so cool. It made me so happy to hear and see all that he has done and what he is going to do. Great things are coming for Town & Country. It was such a positive moment.

But the single best thing was Lee Mindel. He is a gentleman and a scholar. He offered information about every subject that was important and accurate, which enriched the experience so much. Lee’s energy and sense of humor make it all such a huge treat. This was my favorite Summit to date.”

Tammy Connor
“The greatest thing about DLS is the community that it has created. These relationships are not only enjoyable, but they are invaluable for designers in smaller markets, like my  home-base in Birmingham.

The Danes do design right! I was impressed and inspired by the seriousness with which they take the design profession and the civic responsibility they place on good design. As a result there is an understated beauty and practicality that results from their attention to detail.

There is a powerful sense that no stone of creativity is left unturned, and form and function are considered partners in Danish design. From the awe inspiring innovation of their numerous LEED certified buildings, to their simply sophisticated fashion sense, to the bicycle being their preference for transportation; the importance of ones environment and “living design” are truly at the forefront of the Danish culture. Even a classicist like me can be inspired and learn from our Danish colleges.”

Anthony (Ankie) Barnes
Barnes Vanze Architects
“An absolute highlight was the presentation by Bjarke Ingels the dynamic young co-founder of Copenhagen-based BIG Architects. Besides winning competitions in their late ’20′s to build several public structures and tightly designed modern housing blocks, the firm has now also designed the new residential block soon to break ground at W 57th Street in New York City.

However, the most interesting of the projects shown is their competition winner for the Amagerforbraending – waste treatment plant and ski run in Copenhagen.

Yes, waste treatment and ski-run…the building was based on their ‘hedonistic sustainability’ theory that if well-designed, projects can tread lightly on the land, recycle waste to crate energy, be compelling structures and add fun and public amenities.  His enthusiasm, strong intellect and compelling designs left one feeling wildly impressed and optimistic about the future of Design and its role in helping tame the excesses of human occupation on the planet.”

Brad Ford and Jayne Michaels

Tobi Fairley
“What an awe-inspiring experience—perfect weather, a gorgeous city and fabulous new friends.  The most telling part of the conference was the fact that every single designer and architect in the room struggles with the same obstacles, across industry segments and across geographic locations. We all are faced with the challenge of effectively portraying to our prospective clients the real and comprehensive value we bring to projects.

What a privilege it was to work on solutions with the most prolific and respected names in the industry in partnership with many of the most respected media editors in the world.  Putting our heads together in one room to make the industry better was thrilling and I cannot wait to see the results take shape in the coming months.  It takes a village and what a “village” the Design Leadership Summit is to be a part of.”

Barry Dixon

Shawn Henderson
“I have never seen a city where there is such juxtaposition between the new and old architecture. It has been thought out and planned so beautifully. The Danes’ attention to design is so palpable! I love Copenhagen and cannot wait to return.”

Malcolm James Kutner, Philip Gorrivan, Shawn Henderson,
Todd Klein and Rob Passal

Malcolm James Kutner
My favorite reflections on the Design Leadership Summit 2011:

Individual design facets make up the kaleidoscope of the design industry’s future.

The sublime landscapes of Sweden through Lee Mindel’s erudite lens.

The summit confirmed my belief that collaboration and cooperation are crucial.

Mobile, flexible, and collaborative appeals to me as the trinity that describes how I’d like to see my own business.

….we really need to maintain a consciousness of/connection to the importance of childlike innocence and curiosity.

… “hotels and schools – non-permanent but crucial spaces” are going to be more important than ever…. Places that can “foster creativity and collaboration.”

Print media is as alive as ever, and more diverse and focused than ever.

Hats off and jaws dropped to Bjarke Engels and Lars Nilsson.

Beautiful surroundings, magnificent architecture, the camaraderie of the delegates, sponsors, and resources.

Frolicking in the cafes and bars…

I could live in Oliver Gustaf’s house on the Kongens Nygorv.

WHAT YOU REALLY NEED IS WHAT YOU WANT.

Tom Kligerman
Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects, PC

“One of the benefits of the of having the DLS in faraway places, besides the exotic locales themselves, is the time it gives you to reflect about all you have seen and learned while on the long plane ride home. As I look down on the southern tip of Greenland, I have been making notes in the (not so) Little Red Book; I have been reflecting on the many back-to-back programs; I have been making plans for my practice with renewed vigor and inspiration. And, perhaps most importantly, I have been dozing!

As in past years, it was the moments in between that perhaps meant the most to me—meeting new people and reconnecting with the old friends that I made at earlier DLS gatherings, joining these friends early in the morning for the breakfast, the back-to-back intensity of the scheduled programs, the energy and cacophony of the dinners, the hilarity of the après-program bar scene as well as the spotty sleep. All this makes for an intense experience of friendship, inspiration and rejuvenating energy.

The takeaway that really stands out for me is the amazing collective generosity displayed by the members of this design community. Any one of us would no doubt go to the mat in competing for a new project, but once at the Summit, the atmosphere of mutual support and the open sharing of ideas and thoughts are at once thought provoking, inspiring and exhilarating.”

Meg Touborg, Ambassador Barzun, Jean Larette

Jean Larette
“It was truly an inspirational week to be in the company of the such
enormous talent to explore and discover both Copenhagen and Stockholm
together. Keith, Peter and Meg once again captured the enthusiasm and
commitment to creating and sharing “all the best” in the design world.
Architect Bjrake Ingels with his rockstar presence and topical Hedonistic
Sustainability presentation was simply electrifying. He received a well
deserved standing ovation and was certainly a highlight of the summit.

Many of us toured the design treasure trove that is Copenhagen via foot,
boat, bus and bicycle soaking in the warm sunshine and beautiful
architecture.

We had the great pleasure of being welcomed to the Ambassador’s residence in
Stockholm where Ambassador Matthew Barzun announced he and his wife will be
returning to the states in the next few weeks where he has accepted the role
of finance chairman for President Obama’s reelection campaign. They were
extremely gracious to our group of 25 and we enjoyed exploring their modern
art collection.

I am anxiously awaiting the announcement of the Design Leadership Summit
2012 location and I look forward to seeing you there Ronda!”

Patrick Sutton, Ambassadress and Mark MacInturf

Patrick Sutton
“As this was my first year I am still sifting through a mountain of stimulus but there are a few things that were quite clear and inspiring.

I watched with awe as Bjarke Ingels, a young Danish architect mesmerized the most vaunted architects and designers in America by changing the way we think about design. He eschewed fear and convention to make room for joy and common sense.  JZ never sounded so good!

The passion for quality and pursuit of excellence eliminated unnecessary boundaries among the attendees. This is a warm and welcoming group amidst a competitive and challenging economy. Lastly, this was likely one of the best fashion shows I have ever attended.”